Transport mechanism for vertical venetian blinds and drapes

ABSTRACT

The invention is an improved transport apparatus for supporting and moving vertically supported articles. The apparatus is particularly adaptable to vertical venetian blinds and drapes. The apparatus provides vertical venetian blinds and drapes which can be opened in either direction across a window and can be adapted to maintain constant spacing between moving members. The invention includes a novel apparatus for rotating the supported articles or vanes of the vertical venetian blinds.

United States Patent 1191 Knapper 1 1 Jan. 28, 1975 [54] TRANSPORT MECHANISM FOR VERTICAL 3.054.426 9/1962 Cayton 1 01173 3,499,4 7 3 1970 Niwa 1 0 176 VENETIAN BUNDS AND DRAPES 3,513,900 5/1970 Ronfola 160/330 [76] Inventor: John Knapper, 123 S. Broadway,

Apt. 4A, lrvington-on-Hudson, NY. 10533 [22] Filed: Aug. 17, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 281,473

[52] U.S. Cl. 160/172 [51] Int. Cl E06b 9/36, E06b 9/388 [58] Field of Search 160/126, 166, 168-176, 160/330 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,937,342 11/1933 Higbie 160/84 R 2,533,505 12/1950 Powers 160/176 2,975,831 3/1961 Taylor et a1. 160/172 Primary ExaminerPeter M. Caun Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Daniel S. Ortiz [57] ABSTRACT The invention is an improved transport apparatus forsupporting and moving vertically supported articles. The apparatus is particularly adaptable to vertical venetian blinds and drapes. The apparatus provides vertical venetian blinds and drapes which can be opened in either direction across a window and can be adapted to maintain constant spacing between moving members. The invention includes a novel apparatus for rotating the supported articles or vanes of the vertical venetian blinds.

13 Claims, 26 Drawing Figures TRANSPORT MECHANISM FOR VERTICAL VENETIAN BLINDS AND DRAPES The invention relates to an apparatus for supporting and moving articles which are vertically supported or suspended. Particularly, the invention relates to an improved apparatus for supporting and moving draperies and vertical venetian blinds which permits the aperture coverings to be moved across the aperture from one side to the other in either direction or moved from the center to the sides and from the sides to center. More particularly the invention relates to an apparatus which can be arranged to permit the drape or vertical vanes or slats of the venetian blinds to be moved while maintaining constant spacing between the moving slats or the drape supports covering the aperture which is usually a window. The invention relates to an improved transport apparatus which is useful where reciprocating transport of articles across a field is required. More particularly the invention relates to an improved transport mechanism adaptable for reciprocating transport of articles across a field while maintaining constant spacing between the moving articles. The invention also relates to a novel means for rotating the transported articles.

The transport apparatus of the present invention will be illustrated with particular reference to vertical venetian blinds and draperies but one can immediately see the application of the invention to horizontal transport of hanging or bottom supported articles Where transport across an entire field in two directions is desired. The invention finds use in vertical venetian blinds, drapes, conveyors in commercial displays and childrens games.

Many forms of vertical venetian blind and drapery transport mechanisms commonly known as traversing rods are available on the commercial market. However, the available apparatus are usually limited to opening from the middle or opening from one side or the other. When the travel of the aperture covering such as curtains or vertical venetian blinds is limited to the area of a window, the window covering collects only at one side or if opening from the middle collects at both sides. The window area where the covering collects is never uncovered. To clean the window, the window covering must be pulled away from the bottom or uncoupled from the transport mechanism and pushed to the side to enable one to clean the area behind the window covering. In proceeding in this manner, there is the constant danger that cleaning liquid may be splashed on the window covering thus requiring extra cleaning effort and care on the part of the window cleaner.

The commercially available transport apparatus usually rely on connection or contact between adjacent units to provide movement from a primary unit which is moved. This mode of operation provides more or less constant spacing between moved units when the covering is being pulled from the bunched or stacked condition at the window sides. When the covering is being pulled from the fully extended position to the stacked or bunched condition at the sides, the moved carrier contacts the next adjacent carrier and pushes it against the subsequent carriers. The need for contact between adjacent carriers causes bunching or stacking to occur at the moving edge. The bunching provides an unsightly appearance if the covering is left in the partially pulled position. To provide a neat appearance, the window covering must be pulled to the completely stacked or bunched position and subsequently pulled to the desired degree of partial covered position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for vertically supporting or suspending and transporting articles across a field. The apparatus is particularly adaptable for support and movement of window coverings. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transport mechanism which can be adapted to permit the window coverings to be moved in such a manner that the entire window can be uncovered to facilitate cleaning. lt is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which permits the window covering to be moved from either side across the field. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which can be adapted to move the slat or curtain supports across the field from either side while maintaining more or less constant spacing between the moving units to present a neat appearance when viewed either in the opening or closing mode of operation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a transport apparatus which can be adapted to provide reciprocating movement to articles being transported from side to side across a field.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objects of the invention are achieved by a transport apparatus which comprises a track or support member having means for mounting in a suitable location and adapted for carrying and aligning a plurality of movable carriers which carry the drape or vertical slats to be transported. The movable carriers have means for supporting or suspending the drape or vertical slat and can be adapted to provide rotation to the slats or vanes. The carriers are moved along the support by releasably engaging a moving means. The movable carriers can be moved over the length of their travel in either direction if at least two of the movable carriers are provided with means or two or more carriers can be provided with means for releasably engaging the moving means, the remaining carriers relying on mechanical connection or contact with adjacent carriers for movement along the support.

Rotation of the vertical slats supported by the carriers is achieved by mounting the vertical slats on a member rotatably mounted on the movable carrier. Rotation of the rotatable support is achieved by forces applied to a helical element incorporated into the rotatable member. In a preferred embodiment the helical element is a helical slot formed in the rotatable member. The movable carrier has a guide for aligning a pin, adapted for movement along a pin guide, which has one end engaged with the helical element in the rotatable support and the other end engaged with a means for moving the pin along the pin guide in the movable carrier to provide rotation for the supported vertical slats. The means for rotation of the vertical slats or vanes of 3 a vertical venetian blind is particularly adapted for providing rotation to vertical slats supported on independently movable carriers.

Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a window provided with a vertical venetian blind which opens from either side utilizing the transport apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a window provided with a vertical venetian blind which can be opened from the middle toward the sides or from the sides toward the middle utilizing the transport apparatus of the invention opposedly mounted in the window.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a window provided with a drape which utilizes the transport apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 3-8 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of rotatable support of carrier piece 20 with vane support removed to show helical slot.

FIG. 6 is a side view of pin 29.

FIG. 7 is an end view of pin 29.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of carrier 20.

FIG. 9 is a left-side elevational view of carrier 20.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of carrier 20.

FIG. 11 is a right-side elevational view of carrier 20.

FIG. 12 is a view in perspective with parts broken away of the arrangement of the top transport apparatus for the vertical venetian blind of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the connector 24 and mover 23 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of connector 24 and mover-support 23 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of connector 24 and mover 23 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of carrier taken along DD of FIG. 10 showing mover engaged.

FIG. 17 is a bottom section view of two carriers 20 and two end stops 75 and 81 taken along DD of FIG. 10 showing operation of mover release mechanism.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of lock 39.

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of lock 39.

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of lock 84.

FIG. 21 is an elevational view of lock 84.

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the mechanism for moving pin 29 to rotate transported articles or vanes.

FIG. 23 is a section view along AA of FIG. 1 with vane support rotated to show shape of vane support.

FIG. 24 is a section view along E--E of the whole carrier 100 which is shown in section as FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a view along CC of FIG. 3 showing an arrangement for a drapery carrier.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of drapery carrier shown in FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The essential concept of the invention involves a transport apparatus which is adaptable for supporting a plurality of articles which, in the case of vertical venetian blinds, are parallel vanes. The vanes can be made of flexible or rigid material. The transport apparatus supports the vanes on a plurality of movable carriers which can be independently mounted; each carrier having means for releasably engaging a moving means. The moving means is moved parallel to the path of the movable carriers in such a relation as to releasably enmeans or connectors carried at speed intervals. The moving means carries the indexing means or connecto rs in a manner suitable for releasably engaging the movable carriers. The movable carriers can be dependently mounted in which case at least two carriers are provided with means for releasably engaging the moving means and the remaining movable carriers relying for movement on mechanical connection or contact with adjacent movable carriers.

The movable carriers can have means for rotating the transported articles. When adapted for vertical venetian blinds each movable carrier has mounted thereon a means for supporting and rotating the vertical vanes. The rotation can be achieved by carrying the vanes on a rotatable vane support mounted on the movable carrier. The rotatable vane support has a helical guide which causes rotation of the vane support when a force is applied to the helical guide. The helical guide can be in the form of a helical slot which engages a pin carried in a pin guide in the movable carrier. The end of the pin projects from the movable carrier and engages a means for moving the pin along the pin guide. The movement of the pin along the pin guide moves the pin along the helical slot and causes rotation of the vane support. The helical guide disclosed in US. Pat. 2,587,859 can also be adapted to rotate the vanes in the vertical venetian blinds of the invention.

The movable carriers are mounted in a track or support which is adapted for mounting in a suitable location. The track or support is adapted to engage the movable carriers and maintain them in substantial alignment so that the carriers can engage the moving means and the release mechanism.

At the limits of travel of the movable carriers are stops which impede movement of the carriers along the support and have means for activating the releasable connection. The means for moving the connector, means for activating the rotatable vane support and stop means can be mounted on the track or can be independently mounted as long as the means are mounted in a position suitable to engage the movable carriers. When the apparatus is mounted for use as a vertical venetian blind or drapery support the operating mechanism can be mounted within a support which is designed for a decorative appearance.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 the improved transport apparatus is shown adapted to an improved vertical venetian blind which is illustrated mounted in a window 8. The vertical venetian blind comprises the support 2 mounted at the top of the window opening. A plurality of vertical vanes or slats 3 extend downwardly from support 2 terminating adjacent to the bottom of the window opening. The vanes 3 are suspended by means of hook means 4 on movable carriers in support 2. The vanes are shown as independently supported but could be connected by lightweight connectors such as beaded chains or links near the bottom edge and top as shown in US. Pat. No. 2,604,159.

The vertical venetian blind is shown in a position partly opened from the left with the vanes 3 perpendicular to the window. The vanes can be rotated through about in either direction to control the amount of light passing through the blind. Through the improved apparatus of the invention the vertical venetian blind can also be opened from the right side without rearrangement of the blind. The ability to uncover the entire window area is an advantage of the improved venetian blind of the invention.

The slats of the blind in FIG. 1 can be made of opaque flexible, or rigid materials or can be made of clear flexible or rigid materials which are colored to screen out certain wavelengths of light. The vanes can also be made clear, neutral, gray, or partially silvered to transmit a certain fraction of light striking the vanes. Flexible materials such as cloth supported vinyl, rigid vinyl, Plexiglas, metal, polycarbonate resins and the like are suitable vane materials.

The vanes are moved by operating drive means 5 which is shown as a beaded chain which engages a pulley mounted in track 2. The drive means 5 is held taught by spring mounted pulley 9 mounted on window frame of window 8. The drive means for rotation of the vanes is mounted behind drive means 5 and is not shown on the figure.

Although a beaded chain is shown, any other means for rotation of a pulley such as ropes, roller chains, bands, belts and the like can be used to transmit the force to move the carriers. An advantageous arrangement for operation of the vertical venetian blinds over wide windows is a reversible electric motor which is geared to the correct speed to properly move the blind.

FIG. 2 illustrates an improved vertical venetian blind mounted in window 8 and arranged to open from the middle. The arrangement also permits the vertical venetian blind to be opened from the sides toward the middle to permit easy cleaning of the area at the sides of the window.

The vertical vanes 3 are rotatably mounted under spring tension on movable carriers arranged to move along opposedly mounted supports or tracks 6. The vanes engage the carriers by connector means 4. The vanes are moved by pulling drive means 5 which is arranged so that an equal amount of motion is transmitted to each track to maintain the vanes in a substantially vertical position. The drive means can be a beaded chain, cog belt, metal or plastic roller chain or the like.

Rotation drive means 7 is shown mounted at the opposite side of the window from the means to move the carriers along the support. The rotation drive means can be mounted at either side at the discretion of the user without affecting operation of the blind. Drive means 7 must be arranged so that a constant relationship is maintained between the angle to which the vanes are turned by the top and bottom supports. The more or less constant relationship between the amount of rotation applied to the top and bottom supports is achieved by preventing slippage of the drive means over the pulleys in the tracks. Slippage can be prevented by utilizing beaded chains, cog belts, metal or plastic roller chains and the like or with a properly chosen pulley.

FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the improved transport apparatus of the invention as a drapery support. Drape 13 is shown partially opened from the left. The arrangement also permits the drape to be opened from the right side without rearranging the apparatus.

Support 12 is mounted at the top of window frame 10. Means for opening and closing the drape 5 is shown at the right side maintained under tension with spring mounted pulley 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the spacing between the folds of the drape as the drape is pulled remains more or less even. This is achieved by supporting the drapes on independently movable carriers which are moved through support 12. The carriers are moved by releasably engaging spaced connectors on the moving means mounted within support 12.

The operation of the vertical venetian blinds and drapery supports can be seen by reference to FIGS. 4 through 12, which illustrate the essential features of the arrangement of the vertical venetian blind of FIG. 2.

Top support 6 comprises track 16 mounted in window frame 10 by screws 40 which has carrier guides 17, 18 and 19 disposed contiguously to the interior to engage tam able settle .9. at $199 16, 37 and 38 in a slideable manner to maintain the movable carrier in substantial alignment. The carrier can be mounted in support 6 by means of wheels, bearings and the like as long as the support is so arranged that the movable carriers are maintained in substantial alignment.

Rotatable piece 25 mounted in carrier 20 carries back means 4 to attach to the vertical vanes. The vane attached to hook means 4 is maintained under tension by spring 26. The tension is controlled by adjusting nut 27 on hook means 4. Rotatable piece 25 has an enlarged section at the top to prevent the piece from being pulled through carrier 20.

Rotatable piece 25 is a cylinder which contains helical slot 46 which extends about around the cylinder. Slot 46 engages end portion 49 of pin 29 illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Enlarged portion 48 of pin 29 engages pin guide 28 of carrier 20. The end 47 of pin 29 engages channel 30 which is carried on rotatable segment 32 which is supported in track 16 by fastener 35 and spacer 34. Brace 31 aids in maintaining substantial alignment between the ends of channel 30. When segment 32 is rotated channel 30 moves vertically along carrier 20 causing pin 29 engaged with rotatable piece 25 in helical slot 46 to move along slot 46 and impart rotation to piece 25 and hook means 4.

Connector 24 is releasably engaged with carrier 20 in slot 44. The connector 24 is held in the engaged position by means of locks 39 and 84.

The connector is moved by moving means 23 which is arranged to maintain the connector in substantial alignment with slot 44 and apply force to carrier 20 by bearing against lock 39 or 84.

When independently movable carriers are utilized connectors are spaced along the moving means 23 at intervals which correspond to the distance desired between the vertical vanes. When the carriers are not independently movable the connectors are spaced at intervals at least as long as the distance between the end carriers when the blinds are fully extended.

The moving means must be able to maintain the connector in alignment with the releasable connecting means in carrier 20. A roller chain made of metal or plastic has been found suitable but other moving means such as cog belts, rubber belts and the like are useful. Track 16 can be arranged or carrier 20 can be designed to allow the moving means 23 to ride along a portion of track 16 so that moving means 23 does not sag over the span of a wide window and prevent connector 24 from engaging movable carrier 20.

Slot 41 runs along the length of track 16 at least over the distance traversed by the movable carriers. The slot allows vane carrier 4 to protrude from support 6 to engage vanes 3.

Cover 21 is held in position by fastener 22 and permits access to locking pieces 39 and 84.

Movable carrier 20 can be made of metal or plastic and can be fabricated in one or more pieces depending on the size and design of the movable carrier. The preferred material for a movable carrier for vertical venetian blinds are plastics and non-magnetic metals. Not all plastics are suitable for all applications since the plastics must have sufficient strength to support the load being carried and if slidably mounted must have sufficient lubricity to freely move along the track. Polypropylene, nylon and aluminum due to their ease of fabrication are especially useful materials.

Non-magnetic materials are especially useful for vertical venetian blind carriers since in a preferred embodiment locking pieces 39 and 84 are maintained in the closed position by magnet 45 positioned in carrier 20. The locking pieces can also be closed by means of springs which apply a force to the locking pieces to cause then to remain closed.

Operation of the vertical venetian blind of FIG. 2 will be illustrated by reference to FlG. 12. The support 6 which is mounted at the bottom of window 8 is arranged of the same components as support 6 which is mounted at the top of window 8 and in a manner to provide the same movement as that supplied by the top support upon activation of carrier drive means or vane rotation means 7. FIG. 12 is an embodiment of FIG. 2 but operation of either half of the embodiment that is the portion between end stops 63 and 68 or 75 and 81 with properly mounted moving means 23 and means for providing rotation such as channel 30 where required can provide an embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of support 6 partially broken away to show movable carriers and 20A slidably mounted on track 16 and rotatably carrying vanes 3 which are attached to rotatable piece mounted on carriers 20 and 20A. The hook means 4 extend through slot 41 in track 16.

Moving means 23 is shown extending the length of track 16 and carrying connectors 24 four of which are shown engaged with carriers 20 and 20A and two connectors 24 are disengaged from the top movable carriers shown against end stops 63 and 81.

Moving means 23 is shown made of roller chain which can be either metal or plastic and extend over sprocket 57 which is rotatably mounted on axle 59. The supports for axle 59 are not shown but it can be mounted on separate supports connected to support 6 or mounted directly to support 6. The moving means passes over sprocket 55 which is connected to sprocket 54 and rotatably mounted on axle 56 in support 6. The supports for axle 56 are not shown.

An idler 74 is shown mounted on end stop 75. The idler is useful where the window span is long to prevent moving means 23 from sagging and permitting connectors 24 on moving means 23 to interfere with movement of the carriers 20 and 20A or to snag on stops 68 or 75. The idler is adapted to support the moving means and is arranged so as not to interfere with movement of the moving means. The idler is not necessary where the window span is relatively short.

Drive means 5 is made of beaded chain 53 and engages sprocket 54. Sprocket-54 is adapted to accept beaded chain 53 and to prevent slipping of the chain over the sprocket. The moving means 23 is moved by applying an unbalanced force to drive means 5 in either direction, that is up or down. Drive means 5 engages a sprocket equivalent to sprocket 54 in the support mounted at the bottom of the window to provide an equal movement to the moving means mounted therein. A beaded chain is shown but equivalent means for importing equivalent movement to the top and bottom moving means are contemplated within the scope of the invention. Devices such as cog-belts, roller chains or ropes which have means for preventing slipping and misalignment are contemplated. An advantageous embodiment of the invention utilizes a reversible electric motor to drive the moving means.

When the movable carriers 20 are independently mounted connectors 24 are spaced at the intervals which are dependent upon the size of the vanes 3 or the distance between pleats in a drape. The distance between the carriers in a vertical venetian blind is determined to provide a small amount of overlap when the vanes are rotated parallel to the window.

When the carriers are dependently mounted, only the carriers 20 at the ends of each section need make a releasable connection with connector 24 to transport the vanes to the middle or to the sides in the embodiment of FIG. 12 or to either side in the arrangements shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The carriers not releasably connected with connector 24 are moved by connection with the carriers releasably connected to connectors 24 by some mechanical linkage or by the article transported in the case of a drape.

Rotation drive means 7 passes over sprocket 61 which is mounted to freely rotate on axle 59 which also supports sprocket 57. Sprocket 61 is connected to segment 32 so that rotation of sprocket 61 by drive means 7 causes rotation of segment 32. Segment 32 has mounted thereon channel 30 and bar 31 connected to segment 32 by means of fastener 33. Rotation of sprocket 61 causes vertical movement of channel 30. Channel 30 is engaged with pin 29 in carriers 20 and 20A. Vertical movement of channel 30 moves pin 29 along pin guide 28 in carriers 20 and 20A causing movement of end 49 of pin 29 along slot 46 in rotatable vane support 25. Movement of the pin along slot 46 causes rotation of vane support 4 and rotation of the vanes.

Rotation drive means 7 is shown made of beaded chain 62 and passes over and engages an equivalent sprocket in the support 6 mounted at the bottom of the window. A beaded chain, or equivalent means, which eliminates slipping of the drive over the sprocket or pulley is required to maintain equivalent rotation of the vanes at the top and bottom of the window. Where rotation of the transported article is not required the rotation means can be eliminated from the apparatus as shown in FIG. 25.

At the end of the travel of the movable carriers is the center of support 6. Slots 69 in stop 68 engage guides l7, l8 and 19 in track 16. Slot 72 permits passage of connector 24 when they have been released by carriers 20A. As carrier 20A is moved into contact with stop 68 by movement of connector 24 by moving means 23 probe 43 engages notch 73. Engagement with notch 73 forces probe 43 toward front of carrier 20A releasing connector 24. Connector 24 then passes stop 68 through slot 72 permitting the next carrier 20A to contact the carrier in contact with stop, releasing the next connector 24, which passes through slot 44 on carier and slot 72 in stop 68.

Stop 75 is mounted by bracket 76 in support 6. Slots 80 in step 75 engage guides l7, l8 and 19 of support 6. Slot 79 permits unhindered passage of connector 24 through stop 75. Notch 78 is adapted to engage probe 43 to release connector 24 as carrier 20 approaches stop 75.

Stop 81 is mounted in support 6 by brackets 82. It is adapted to provide the functions associated with stop 63. A probe shown in phantom is mounted on stop 82 to engage carrier 20 and release connector 24.

The carriers 20 and 20A are identical, carrier 20A being an inverted carrier 20. Rotatable support 25 being inserted from the top of each carrier so that vane support 4 extends from the bottom.

The arrangement shown in FIG. 12 permits the carriers 20 to be gathered against stop 75 or 81 and the carriers 20A to be gathered against stop 75 or 63. By this arrangement the vertical venetian blinds can be opened from the center toward the sides or from the sides toward the center for ease of cleaning the window area at the sides.

The operation of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 12 is as follows: Moving means 23 having connectors 24 at spaced intervals is moving in a clockwise direction by power supplied to sprocket 55 by movement of drive means 5. Connectors 24 engage carriers 20 at slot 44 which is on the lower side causing the carriers to be moved to the left. Connectors 24 engage carriers 20A at slot 44 which is on the upper side thus pulling carriers 20A to the right. With carriers 20 moving to the left and carriers 20A moving to the right, the vertical venetian blinds open from the center.

As carrier 20A approaches stop 63 a probe (shown in phantom engaged with carrier 20A) engages carrier 20A through notch 50 releasing lock and permitting connector to disengage from carrier 20A. When first connector 24 disengages from carrier 20A moving means 23 moves a second carrier 20A into proximity with the carrier 20A which is against stop 63. As second carrier 20A approaches the carrier against stop 63 probe 43 engages notch 50 which forces probe 43 toward front of carrier 20A. Probe 43 entering notch 50 engages the lock therein forcing it toward front of carrier 20A permitting connector 24 to disengage from the second carrier and also to pass through slot 44 on the first carrier and slot 65 in stop 63. The same chain of events occurs as subsequent carriers are moved into contact with the carriers adjacent to stop 63.

While carriers 20A are being pulled against stop 63 and connector 24 released, the connectors engaged with carriers 20 are transporting the carriers adjacent to stop 80 where connector 24 are disengaged and pass through stop 81.

The carriers which collect against the stops 63 or 81 are disengaged from spaced connector 24. The carrier which has come to rest farthest from the stops remains with a locking means on the side away from the stops in the closed position.

The movement of moving means 23 is reversed to a counterclockwise movement. Connector 24 is moved into a position in slot 44 of the carrier 20A which is farthest from stop 63, connector 24 bears against the locking means, moving the carrier away from the adjacent carrier. As the carrier is moved away from the adjacent carrier, probe 43 is disengaged from notch 50 which closes locking means associated with notch 50 and the locking means associated with probe 43. The movable carrier con tinues to move toward the center stop 75. The next connector 24 spaced along moving means 23 then engages the second carrier 20A in slot 44 and the second carrier is then moved at the set spacing toward center stop 68. The subsequent carriers 20A then engage the subsequent connectors 24 until all the carriers are releasably engaged with a connector.

The carriers 20A continue to move toward stop 68. As carrier 20A approaches stop 68 probe 43 engages notch 73 which is arranged in such a manner that probe 43 is moved toward the front of carrier 20A and connector 24 is disengaged and passes through slot 72. The carriers 20A collect adjacent to stop 68 leaving the side of the window uncovered.

While carriers 20A are being moved toward stop 68, carriers 20 are being moved toward stop 75 thus uncovering the left side of the window.

It can be readily seen that the arrangement shown in either half of the transport apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12 can be adapted to provide the apparatus for the side opening vertical venetian blind of FIG. 1 or the side opening drape of FIG. 3.

Each carrier 20 and 20A has mounted thereon rotatable vane support 25 engaged with end 49 of pin 29. End 47 of pin 29 is engaged with channel 30. Rotation of sprocket 61 imparts rotation to segment 32 which moves channel 30 in a vertical direction causing end 49 pin 29 to travel along helical groove in rotatable support 25 to rotate the vanes 3 attached thereto.

FIGS. l3, l4 and 15 are views of moving means 23 and connector 24 mounted thereon. The moving means 23 is shown as a roller chain which can be made of metal or plastic.

Operation of the releasable connection is illustrated by reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIGS. 16an d 17 ar e bottom views in section through D-D of carrier 20, FIG. 10. Carriers are numbered 20B and 20C in FIG. 17 to more readily refer to the individual carrier. It is understood that the components, operation and design of carrier 20B and 20C are the same.

FIG. 16 shows connector 24 engaged in slot 44 by locking pieces 84 and 39. Locking piece 39 is a flat piece beveled at one end containing rectangular notch 85. Locking piece 84 is a flat piece having flat probe 43 extending to one side. Locking piece 39 is adapted to slide back and fourth in slot 87 and locking piece 84 is adapted to slide back and forth in slot 88. In the illustration of FIG. 16, locking pieces 39 and 84 are made of steel and held against body of non-magnetic carrier 20 by a magnet 45 which is shown in FIG. 4. With the two locking pieces 39 and 84 held against carrier 20 movement of connector 24 in either direction causes carrier 20 to be moved along with the connector.

Notch 85 in locking piece 39 is not aligned with rectangular notch 50 in carrier 20 when connector 24 is locked in slot 44. Rectangular notch 90 in carrier is larger than rectangular notch 50. The edge of notch 50 nearest slot 44 bears such a relation to locking piece 84 that locking piece 84 can substantially block slot 44.

FIG. 17 shows carrier 20B engage with stop 75. As carrier 20B approaches stop 75, probe 43B on locking piece 843 engaged rectangular notch 78 in stop 75. The engagement of probe 438 with notch 75 in stop 75 forces locking piece 848 to slide away from body of carrier 20B across slot 44B along slot 888. When locking piece 84B moves away from the body of carrier 208 the connector moved out of engagement with carrier 20B and through slot 79 in stop 75. Connector 24C then moved carrier 20C adjacent to carrier 20B. As carrier 20C approached carrier 208, which is no longer moving, probe 43C of locking piece 84C engages rectangular notch 85B in locking piece 39B and rectangular notch 508 in carrier 208. Due to the alignment of rectangular notches 85B and 50B and probe 43C as probe 43C enters rectangular notch 858, it forces locking piece 39B away from body of carrier 20B across slot 448 thus clearing slot 448 for passage of connector 24C. The edge of probe 43C bears against edge of rectangular notch 50B. The edge of notch 50B is aligned in such a manner with probe 43C and carrier 20C that when probe 43C has engaged rectangular notch 50B locking piece 84C is moved away from the body of carrier 20C across slot 44C along slot 88C. Connector 24C is then disengaged from carrier 20C and is free to move along slots 44C, 448 and 79.

If carrier 20C is the last carrier in a series to make contact with an adjacent carrier it will be noted that locking piece 39C remains in the closed or locked position. It is necessary that the locking piece away from the point of contact remain closed so that when connector 24C moves in the opposite direction it can bear against locking piece 398 and begin moving the carrier.

Assume carrier 20C has been transported along the support in a direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 17 so that carrier 20C is moved adjacent to stop 81. As carrier 20C approaches stop 81, probe 89 mounted on stop 81 engages carrier 20C at rectangular notch 50C.

Probe 89 engages rectangular notch 85C in locking piece 39C. The alignment between probe 89 and notch 85C is such that probe 89 moves locking piece 39C away from body of carrier 20C across slot 44C along slot 87C. The movement of locking piece 39C away from the body of the carrier permits connector 24C to disengage from carrier 20C and move through slot 91 in stop 81. Connector 248 which is not shown would be moving carrier 20B adjacent to carrier 20C so that probe 43C can engage carrier 20B and move locking pieces 84C and 39B away from the body of the carriers permitting connector 24B (not shown) to move along slots 44C and 448. If carrier 20B were the last carrier in a chain of carriers moved adjacent to stop 81 locking piece 843 would remain in the closed or blocking position across slot 443 to engage connector 248 (not shown) as it moved in a direction toward stop 75.

It can be seen from the above description that the movable carriers 20 can be moved from one end of the track to the other causing the carriers togather at either end of the track. This feature of the invention permits ready access to the window for cleaning.

The carriers 20 illustrated utilize magnetic force to hold the locking pieces 39 and 84 in a position to block slot 44. The locking pieces are fabricated from a material which is attracted to the magnet. In appropriately designed carriers springs or gravity can be utilized to maintain the locking pieces in a position to block slot 44.

FIG. 22 illustrates the apparatus for vane rotation. End 47 of pin 29 in pin guide 28 of carrier 20 engages channel 30 which extends along the entire length of movement of the carriers. Channel 30 is pivotly connected to segments 32 by fastener 89. Brace bar 31 is connected to segment 32 by fasteners 33 so that brace bar 31 remains substantially horizontal as segment 32 is rotated. At least one segment is connected to means for rotation which in this case is sprocket 61 mounted on axle 59 but free to rotate independently of axle 59. Axle 59 is carried by support 60. The axle can be supported on separate supports or mounted on the sides of the track or support. Rotation drive means 7 which is beaded chain 62 is engaged with sprocket 61 so that rotation of sprocket 61 produces a vertical movement of channel 30 and rotation of the vanes. Segments 32 can be placed intermediate of the ends of channel 30 to prevent sagging of channel 30 and uneven rotation of the vanes. Brace bar 31 maintains even movement of channel 30 along its length.

FIG. 23 is a view along section A-A of the embodiment of the invention utilized in FIG. 1. FIG. 24 is a top view of whole carrier 100. Support 2 comprises track 93 having carrier guides 99 adapted to engage movable carrier 100 at slots 101 to maintain the carriers in substantial alignment.

Movable carrier 100 has mounted therein rotatable vane support 94 which carries hook means 4 for attaching to vanes 3. Hook means 4 need not be spring mounted since the downward extending vanes are free. Vane rotation is achieved by movement of pin 104 along a helical slot in rotateable support 94. Pin 104 is engaged in pin guide 103 in carrier 100. The end of pin 104 is engaged with channel 105 pivotly mounted on segment 106 which is mounted on side of track 2. Brace bar 107 is pivotly mounted along an opposite edge of segment 106. The arrangement is similar to that shown in FIG. 22. Rotation of segment 106 moves channel 105 vertically, moving pin 104 along helical slot in rotatable support 94, rotating the vanes.

Cover 98 encloses locking pieces 109 and 110 and flat spring 114 which urges locking pieces 109 and 1 10 against the body of carrier 100, as shown in FIG. 24, which is a view of carrier 100 with a portion of cover 98 cut away. Moving means 96 is arranged so that connector 97 can releasably engage carrier 100.

FIG. 25 is a view along c of thearrangement of the drapery support of FIG. 3. FIG. 26 is a top view of carrier 120. Since the drapery support is mounted outside of the window on Frame 10, support 12 is mounted by fasteners 125 to bracket 122 mounted on window frame 10 by screws 126.

Track 116 has guides 118 which slidably engage movable carrier 120 to maintairithe carriersiri subs tahtial alignment. The carrier 120 can be mounted on tracks, wheels, bearings, rollers or any means which maintain the carriers in substantial alignment and permit movement along the track.

Means for making a releasable connection with connector 121 are mounted in the body of carrier 120 at 127. Locking piece 128 engages connector 121 mounted on moving means 117 which is a rubber belt.

rangement can be made narrow and permit styling of the drapery support.

The releasable connection means are similar to those shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 with the exception that they are mounted within the body of the carrier. This mounting can be used when a more or less narrow arrangement is required. The arrangement is not limited to drapery supports since it is sometimes advantageous to provide a narrow carrier for vertical venetian blinds which can accommodate body mounting of the carrier release mechanism.

The connector release mechanism is maintained in the locked position by magnet 119 mounted on carrier 120. In operation probe 86 engages rectangular slot 101 in locking piece 92 moving locking piece 92 away from the vicinity of magnet 119 to release connector. Probe 86 bears against the edge of the slot in the carrier causing the probe to move the locking piece away from magnet 119 causing release of the engagement with connector 121.

As disclosed the novel apparatus for transporting vertical venetian blinds and drapes relies upon the concept of releasably engaging at least thetwg end movable carriers with the moving rheahs t cTprovide a covering which can be opened from either side or from the middle toward the sides and the sides toward the middle. Embodied in the concept of of releasably engaging the movable carriers with the moving means is a novel method of accomplishing the releasable engagement and a novel means for rotating the vertical vanes of vertical venetian blinds. it is understood that when the apparatus is utilized as a drape support, means for rotation need not be provided.

The transport apparatus of the invention can be adapted to move and transport large or small articles and can be adapted to other uses outside of vertical venetian blinds, curtains and draperies without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a transport apparatus for vertical venetian blinds or drapes, having one or more sections, which comprises in combination, a horizontal support, movable carriers which move along the support and carry vertical vanes or drapes and moving means which engage the movable carriers and move the movable carriers along the support the improvement which comprises; providing a vertical venetian blind or drape which can be opened in either direction across a section without rearrangement of the apparatus by releaseably engaging at least the end movable carriers, in each section, with the moving means and providing stops, disposed at the limits of travel in the section to engage a movable carrier, rgleasably engaged with the 7 with an indexing means disposed on the moving means, whereby a fixed relation is maintained between the movable carriers as the carriers are moved along the support.

3. In the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable carriers have vertical vanes rotatably mounted thereon, the improvement which comprises; providing the movable carriers with rotatable vane supports having a helical guide mounted thereon and providing means which engage and apply force to said helical guide whereby the vanes are rotated.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the helical guide is a helical slot in said rotatable vane support.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the movable carrier having mounted thereon the rotatable vane support is provided with a pin guide which accepts a pin one end of which engages the helical slot in the rotatable vane support and the opposite end engages a means which moves the pin along the pin guide in the movable carrier whereby the vanes are rotated.

6. In the apparatus of claim 2 adapted for vertical venetian blinds, the improvement which comprises; providing the movable carriers with rotatable vane supports having a helical guide mounted thereon and providing means which engage and apply force to said helical guide whereby the vanes are rotated.

7. In the apparatus of claim 6 wherein the movable carrier having mounted thereon the rotatable vane support is provided with a pin guide which accepts a pin one end of which engages the helical slot in the rotatable vane support and the opposite end engages a means which moves the pin along the pin guide in the movable carrier whereby the vanes are rotated.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the releaseably engaged movable carriers and moving means for moving the carriers along-the support comprise a moving means, which is moved parallel to the movement of the movable carriers, having disposed thereon indexing means which releaseably engage the movable carrier, the movable carrier having a passage whereby the indexing means can pass the carrier and a blockingmeans to block said passage to engage the indexing means whereby the carrier is moved along the support, said blocking means releasing the engagement with the indexing means when the carrier engages the stop.

9. The carrier of claim 8 wherein the blocking means is positioned to block said passage by a magnet positioned in the carrier.

10. The carrier of claim 8 wherein the blocking means is positioned to block said passage by a spring.

11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the movable carriers and moving means for moving the carriers along the support comprises; a moving means, which is moved parallel to the movement to the movable carriers, having disposed thereon indexing means which releaseably engage the movable carriers, the movable carriers having a passage whereby the indexing means can pass the carriers, and a blocking means to block said passage to engage the indexing means whereby the carrier is moved along the support, said blocking means adapted to release the engagement with the indexing means when the carrier engages the stop and when the carrier is moved adjacent to a carrier which has released the engagement with the indexing means.

12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the movable carriers and moving means for moving the carriers along the support comprise; a moving means, which is moved parallel to the movement of the movable carriers, having disposed thereon indexing means which releasably engage the movable carriers, the movable carriers having a passage, whereby the indexing means can whereby the indexing means can pass the carriers, and a blocking means to block said passage to engage the indexing means whereby the carrier is moved along the support, said blocking means releasing the engagement of the carrier with the indexing means when the carrier engages the stop and when the carrier is moved adjacent to a carrier which has released the engagement with the indexing means. 

1. In a transport apparatus for vertical venetian blinds or drapes, having one or more sections, which comprises in combination, a horizontal support, movable carriers which move along the support and carry vertical vanes or drapes and moving means which engage the movable carriers and move the movable carriers along the support the improvement which comprises; providing a vertical venetian blind or drape which can be opened in either direction across a section without rearrangement of the apparatus by releaseably engaging at least the end movable carriers, in each section, with the moving means and providing stops, disposed at the limits of travel in the section to engage a movable carrier, releaseably engaged with the moving means, to release the engagement with the moving means as the movable carrier is moved into engagement with a stop.
 2. In the apparatus of claim 1 the improvement which comprises; releaseably engaging each movable carrier with an indexing means disposed on the moving means, whereby a fixed relation is maintained between the movable carriers as the carriers are moved along the support.
 3. In the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable carriers have vertical vanes rotatably mounted thereon, the improvement which comprises; providing the movable carriers with rotatable vane supports having a helical guide mounted thereon and providing means which engage and apply force to said helical guide whereby the vanes are rotated.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the helical guide is a helical slot in said rotatable vane support.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the movable carrier having mounted thereon the rotatable vane support is provided with a pin guide which accepts a pin one end of which engages the helical slot in the rotatable vane support and the opposite end engages a means which moves the pin along the pin guide in the movable carrier whereby the vanes are rotated.
 6. In the apparatus of claim 2 adapted for vertical venetian blinds, the improvement which comprises; providing the movable carriers with rotatable vane supports having a helical guide mounted thereon and providing means which engage and apply force to said helical guide whereby the vanes are rotated.
 7. In the apparatus of claim 6 wherein the movable carrier having mounted thereon the rotatable vane support is provided with a pin guide which accepts a pin one end of which engages the helical slot in the rotatable vane support and the opposite end engages a means which moves the pin along the pin guide in the movable carrier whereby the vanes are rotated.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the releaseably engaged movable carriers and moving means for moving the carriers along the support comprise a moving means, which is moved parallel to the movement of the movable carriers, having disposed thereon indexing means which releaseably engage the movable carrier, the movable carrier having a passage whereby the indexing means can pass the carrier and a blocking means to block said passage to engage the indexing means whereby the carrier is moved along the support, said blocking means releasing the engagement with the indexing means when the carrier engages the stop.
 9. The carrier of claim 8 wherein the blocking means is positioned to block said passage by a magnet positioned in the carrier.
 10. The carrier of claim 8 wherein the blocking means is positioned to block said passage by a spring.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the movable carriers and moving means for moving the carriers along the support comprises; a moving means, which is moved parallel to the movement to the movable carriers, having disposed thereon indexing means which releaseably engage the movable carriers, the movable carriers havIng a passage whereby the indexing means can pass the carriers, and a blocking means to block said passage to engage the indexing means whereby the carrier is moved along the support, said blocking means adapted to release the engagement with the indexing means when the carrier engages the stop and when the carrier is moved adjacent to a carrier which has released the engagement with the indexing means.
 12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the movable carriers and moving means for moving the carriers along the support comprise; a moving means, which is moved parallel to the movement of the movable carriers, having disposed thereon indexing means which releasably engage the movable carriers, the movable carriers having a passage, whereby the indexing means can pass the carrier and a blocking means to block said passage to engage the indexing means whereby the carrier is moved along the support, said blocking means releasing the engagement of the carrier with the indexing means when the carrier engages the stop.
 13. The apparatus of claim 6 which comprises; a moving means, which is moved parallel to the movement of the movable carriers, having disposed thereon indexing means which releaseably engage the movable carriers, the movable carriers having a passage whereby the indexing means can pass the carriers, and a blocking means to block said passage to engage the indexing means whereby the carrier is moved along the support, said blocking means releasing the engagement of the carrier with the indexing means when the carrier engages the stop and when the carrier is moved adjacent to a carrier which has released the engagement with the indexing means. 